I am very surprised that pencils are "legal" to use in the
hospital histo labs.  For years and years we used china markers
for block identification......until the FDA nailed us.  We have
to have PERMANENT markers that will not rub off or possibly
scratch off or able to be changed by any other means. I am
shocked that with surgical specimens this is not yet an issue. 
If I have to have surgical path done, I sure don't want any
chance of a mix-up!
E McAvoy




Histo-Scientific Research Laboratory wrote:
> 
> Histonetters,
> 
> Please listen when I tell you that a #2 lead pencil works best for
> processing cassettes!  I know it goes against everything you have learned
> over the years, you know how in the medical field you have to buy the
> highest priced items.  In this case, it is not true.  I wouldn't spend 50
> cents on a marking pen for cassettes.  A #2 lead pencil is the way to go.
> Can anyone back me up on this?  Give the pencil a try-you'll be happy you
> did!
> 
> Tom Galati
> Histo-Scientific Research Labs.
> (540)856-2222
> -----Original Message-----
> From: WeissHouse@aol.com <WeissHouse@aol.com>
> To: Histonet <HistoNet@Pathology.swmed.edu>
> Date: Monday, June 07, 1999 11:06 PM
> Subject: cassettes
> 
> >i have been hearing about cassette numbers washing off lately.  anyone else
> >having this problem?  what pen is being used by the majority of histonet
> >users? it seems that the cassettes from sakura are smoother than usual, any
> >response ? looking into marking systems. any suggestions?  are any of you
> >histonetters having this problem and what do you attribute to it ?
> >